Aberdeenshire Council

Support for Aberdeenshire Business (SAB)

The council runs a scheme called Support for Aberdeenshire Business (SAB). It aims to strengthen the economy of Aberdeenshire by assisting in the development of new businesses and by encouraging the growth of existing ones. SAB offers practical advice and discretionary financial assistance in the form of loans and grants.

SAB Grants

1. Development Grants
Up to a maximum of £10,000 or 50% of the costs, whichever is the lower:

- non statutory training
- research and development
- market development
- implementation of a quality system
- viability assessment of business co-operatives and community businesses ...and trusts
- establishment of business co-operatives and community businesses and ..trusts
- interest relief on funds from established finance sources
- exhibition grants for first time exhibiting at a particular exhibition/trade show ..outwith North East Scotland. for costs of renting, setting up and running a ..stand.

2. Rental Grants
Up to six months rental or £50,000, whichever is the lower, for the rental of industrial premises where a significant number of jobs are being created.

3. Job Creation Grants
Grants of up to £1,000 per job are available where a significant number of permanent jobs are being created. A significant number can be as low as five if the business is in a small community.

4. Sustainable Business Grant
This grant is designed to encourage businesses to install environmentally sustainable processes. In addition the grant is available to encourage good practice in areas such as using renewable energy, waste management, efficient use of resources, recycling and establishing sustainable working practices.

This grant is divided into two parts:
1) Assistance with an audit by an approved consultant who will recommend ...changes where necessary
2) Assistance in the implementation of recommendations up to £5000 or
... 50% of the costs whichever is the lesser

5. Rural Shop Support Scheme

Grant assistance up to £7,500 may be available to help the development and diversification of rural retail outlets, which provide small communities with general store and/or Post Office facilities. In addition retail consultancy may be available. Retail consultancy may also be available.

A separate leaflet is available on the Rural Shop Support Scheme.

SAB Loans

Loans may also be available through SAB towards the purchase of plant and equipment and for working capital. Loan repayment holidays may be available for a period of up to 6 months Aberdeenshire Council is not able to fund more than one third of any project with loan finance.

There are three different categories of loan finance available:

1. Interest free loans are available up to £15,000 for the purchase of new or used plant or equipment, repayable over a period of up to five years.

2. Low interest loans up to £25,000 for working capital, bearing interest at half the Public Work Loans Board (PWLB) rate, repayable over a period of up to five years.

3. Loans at PWLB rate plus an interest margin may be available to companies who do not meet the general SAB eligibility criteria.

For more information visit Aberdeenshire Council.

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